Abstract:

This qualitative multiple case study explored how micro politics in school management affect the practice of teacher leadership in the context of Nigerian public secondary schools. It shows the extent by which the practice of micro politics in public secondary schools affects the promotion of teacher leadership. Participants included nine teachers, three principals, vice-principals and an educational administrator in an Educational District in Lagos, Nigeria. Data for the study was generated through the use of semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis. The study reveals that micro politics is part of human existence and it leads to forming of cliques which affects professionalism in organization. It also reinforces the role principals’ plays in traditional model of leadership which affects teaching and learning processes in the 21st century. The study emphasize enforcement of ethical standards in schools and that the era of principal as a sole leader in school leadership is over. The study contributes to better understanding of leadership development in schools.

Keywords:

Micro politics, teacher leadership, school culture, ethics, professionalism.